Moonlight writer and producer (and Oscar winner!) Tarell Alvin McCraney has made his Broadway debut with the new play Choir Boy, now playing in the Manhattan Theatre Club’s winter repertoire.
This captivating show, filled with musical performances, takes place at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, a private academy for black men. In the show, we meet Pharus (Jeremy Pope), an incredibly talented performer in the school’s legacy gospel choir. While his vocals may stand out and earn him acclaim — his effeminate personality also gets him unwanted attention within the prep school’s halls.
Pharus becomes the target of gay slurs, and rivals-in-song challenge his space in the academy and performance group.
The cast of this powerful show includes Jeremy Pope, Chuck Cooper, Austin Pendleton, Nicholas L. Ashe, Daniel Bellomy, Gerald Caesar, John Clay III, Caleb Eberhardt, Marcus Gladney and J. Quinton Johnson.
Filled with hauntingly beautiful vocal performances, Choir Boy puts the spotlight on so many unbelievably talented performers.
If you’re interested in seeing the show for yourself, know that its run has just been extended through March 10. Note that understudy Jonathan Burke is going to replace Jeremy Pope, as Pope is moving on to his next show, Ain’t Too Proud, which starts previews on February 28.
Performances of Choir Boy are taking place at the Samuel J Friedman Theatre in Manhattan (261 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036), where you can also pick up your tickets at the box office.
Want to see a preview? Check out a clip from the show in the video player below.
